Tom Van Heest

Hi, my name is Tom Van Heest. I am the author of the Juddville Jaguars Football Series. These novels are the byproduct of over three decades of experience as a husband, father, middle school teacher, and high school football coach. The books are hard core football—there is no denying that—but the characters are real people facing formidable challenges of growing up while trying to fulfill responsibilities to family and friends. The key to success in all of these endeavors is a strong faith in God.

I actually started writing the novels several years ago near the beginning of the millennium. I know it's hard to believe, but there was life without cellphones back then. Consequently, there are no cell phones in this series, which I find quite refreshing!

The first book in the series is A Cord of Three Strands: a football novel. It covers the two weeks of preseason football camp. It sets the groundwork for the rest of the season.

The second book is Clay: a football novel. The novel starts with the preseason scrimmage and concludes with Game One.

The third book is Rock: a football novel. This book is set during "rivalry week" or Game Two.

The fourth book is Light: a football novel, and it covers Game Three.

The fifth book is Tree: a football novel, and in this book, I experimented in two ways: switching to first person point of view, and picking up the pace by covering Games Four and Five. I think you will notice an immediate difference.

In June of 2024, I published the sixth book, which is Blood: a football novel. I wrote this novel through the eyes of a lesser known character, and it has a darker tone. It covers Games 6 through 8.

June of 2026... After editing and republishing Books One, Two, and Three, I am currently writing the last book of the Juddville Jaguars series. It is called Cross: a football novel. God willing, I hope to publish the finale by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

In addition to the Juddville Jaguars series, I had the great honor of editing and publishing my father's devotional "Run for Your Life!" This book contains a number of spiritual lessons focusing on the theme of running. It contains a lifetime of wisdom.

I am a retired teacher and football coach, and I am thoroughly enjoying being a grandparent with plenty of time for writing, reading, and playing my guitar!